TITLE
Title
DHHS-PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION: GUILFORD COUNTY PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN SMART START FAMILY CONNECTS ($13,695)
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Anita Ramachandran
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BACKGROUND
Background
The Guilford County Department of Health & Human Services - Division of Public Health requests board approval to accept increased funds from the Guilford County Partnership for Children Smart Start grant. These funds will support the Family Connects Program during FY25, ensuring the continuation of universal newborn home visitation services for Guilford County residents. The additional funding $13,695 brings the FY 25 full award to $519,000 which will cover supplies, training and education for the program.
The Family Connects Program promotes healthy and safe environments for newborns and their families through nurse home visits. These visits provide crucial support, education, early identification of health and safety concerns, and referrals to community resources.
The Family Connects Home Visitation Program offers universal, one-time home visits for all newborns within Guilford County. Unlike other programs with eligibility restrictions, Family Connects ensures that every family, regardless of income or background, has access to early support. In FY24, the Family Connects Program conducted 2,484 home visits, reaching 40% to 52% of eligible births in Guilford County. This widespread reach underscores the program’s significant impact in supporting new families during a critical transition period.
Trained nurses conduct home visits, providing families with personalized health, safety, and parenting guidance. Research demonstrates that this model results in healthier babies, stronger parent-child relationships, and safer home environments. By connecting families with local resources, the program strengthens community health and fosters long-term positive outcomes for families.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
General Fund
$13,695 Increase in Federal/State Funds
$13,695 Increase to Health and Human Services - Public Health
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve receipt of the additional funding of $13,695 and authorize the contract amendment, in substantial form. Amend the General Fund to increase Federal/State Funds by $13,695 and increase the appropriation to Health and Human Services - Public Health by $13,695.
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